***NEW*** EDITORIAL NOW AVAILABLE AS A BLOG

Would you like to express your thoughts and comments on the weekly editorial?

You are now welcome to do so on our new blog which is found at...

http://walkingwithjesusnz.blogspot.com/

MUSINGS ON THE KINGDOM - PAST, FUTURE AND PRESENT

KINGDOM PRESENT - THE KINGDOM PARABLES

PARABLE OF THE SOWER

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:1-9)"

Farming was the main occupation of the Jews of the time. Therefore they would have understood, in the natural, what Jesus was saying, more easily than many of us today do.

Even so, Jesus explained in detail what it meant.

18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:18-23)

Can we lose our salvation? Apparently so. As confirmed here.

13 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Mark 13:13)

We need to nurture our faith carefully, to ensure that our seed is sown in the good soil. We choose our own soil in which to be planted! To produce a good crop we need to persevere in our faith.

36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)

We also need an understanding of what we believe in order to remain firm in our faith. 'There is nothing as blind as blind faith!' A David's Doodling here!

Love of Money

3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:3-10)

What soil are you planted in? Fortunately, in the spiritual, it is never to late to ask for a transplant!

(Continued next week)

Find out more about us at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/about.php

FROM THE WORD

"Signs of the End of the Age

As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Mark 13:1-13)

"A Call to Persevere

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:19-39)

Read the Bible (NIV Version) online at...

http://www.ibs.org/niv/index.php

***DAILY EZINE!*** 'DAVID'S DAILY DOODLINGS' Subscribe Today

Receive one of David's sayings in your mailbox each day to inspire, challenge or maybe, amuse.

To register today, simply click here ddd-on@wwj.org.nz
and press send. Then it's done!

If you have an Irish heritage, you will love the background coloring!

Should you wish, check out current and back issues (where you can also subscribe) at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/doodlings/index.php

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

PERSEVERANCE

685. Perseverance perseveres!

686. Perseverance is keeping running the race with feet blistered by the problems of life.

687. Perseverance is wading through the mire of life, confident of reaching our eternal heavenly home.

688. Perseverance is walking through the valleys before ascending to the mountaintops

689. Perseverance is retaining hope when all seems hopeless.

690. Perseverance is …

… forgiving one more time

… one more prayer.

… going on when others are giving up.

… picking yourself up once again.

… loving that little bit extra.

… just one more step.

… serving one more time.

Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1300 David sayings for you to view at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php

CRANWELL'S CARTOON

Rather than quoting relevant scriptures this week, I am inviting
you to read (PDF download below) the story of what this cartoon
of John Cranwell is making the point about. Interestingly, this
was written 5 years ago, well before John and I met. God works in
different ways towards the same objective, through different people.

TABERNACLE TO TABERNACLES - How the pattern of the first
Church, The Tabernacle of Moses, has applied to the Church through
the ages and predicts the Church to come.
- 31 pages from 'Eagles Fly High!'




TO READ THIS CARTOON AND SEE THE OTHER
PICTURES IN THIS EMAIL YOU NEED TO BE ONLINE.

Check it out at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/9p12.pdf

TUESDAY TEACHINGS

THIS WEEK: SERMON ON THE MOUNT - THE KINGDOM WAY continues.....

.......with a look at 'murder' and 'adultery'.

Check out all the available teachings at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/teachings/index.php

*** ANOTHER DAILY EZINE FROM WWJ!*** 'LAUGHING AT OURSELVES' Subscribe Today

As Christians, if we can't laugh at ourselves, others will! A fun way to start your day.

To register today, simply click here lao-on@wwj.org.nz and press send. Then it's done!

Should you wish, check out early issues (where you can also subscribe) at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/laughing/index.php

LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***

*** "Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others." ***

151. 10 REASONS NOT TO WASH
In one church, the pastor, apparently fed up with all the excuses given over the years as to why people don't go to church, included "Ten Reasons Why I Never Wash" in the Sunday bulletin:

1. I was forced to as a child.
2. People who wash are hypocrites - they think they are cleaner than everybody else.
3. There are so many different kinds of soap, I can't decide which one is best.
4. I used to wash, but I got bored and stopped.
5. I wash only on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter.
6. None of my friends wash.
7. I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier.
8. I can't spare the time.
9. The bathroom is never warm enough in winter or cool enough in summer.
10. People who make soap are only after your money.

150. BIBLICAL HEADLINES
Biblical headlines as they might be written today:

* On Red Sea crossing:
WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE: Pursuing Environmentalists Killed
* On David vs. Goliath:
HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION: Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock
* On Elijah on Mt. Carmel:
FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS RIGHT EXTREMIST INTO FRENZY: 400 Killed
* On the birth of Christ:
HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS: Animal Rights Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple
* On feeding the 5,000:
PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH: Disciples Mystified Over Behavior
* On healing the 10 lepers:
LOCAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE RUINED: "Faith Healer" Causes Bankruptcy
* On healing of the Gadarene demoniac:
MADMAN'S FRIEND CAUSES STAMPEDE: Local Farmer's Investment Lost
* On raising Lazarus from the dead:
PREACHER RAISES A STINK: Last Will & Testament Reading Delayed

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 769 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/laugh.php

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Where are all the baby pigeons?

ANSWER: You see pigeons on every sidewalk in the city. But where are
their babies? The answer lies in the way pigeons hide their nests. They
may be city-dwellers now, but way back, were cliff-dwellers. They still like
to build their nests up high on modern cliffs - atop tall buildings or high
window ledges or even stuck inside a bridge somewhere. Pigeons are
dedicated parents. They tend to lay only two eggs at a time, then spoil
the baby pigeons so much that the babies are nearly adult-sized and
plump by the time they leave the nest. (Does plumpness make them
‘pigeon toed?)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What's the difference between a turtle and a
tortoise?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS

265. A 'REPLACEMENT' MARKET
Americans spend more than $630 million a year on golf balls. (If I hit the ball straight, I would put a lot of people out of business – that’s my excuse!)

266. A BOY WONDER
Stevie Wonder was just 11 years old when he signed his first record contract with Motown. (Did he wonder if he had done the right thing?)

267. ONE HANDED
'Stewardesses’ is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand. (One finger of it too?)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

CENTROID

Answer at the end of A David Musing

FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA

Or view all 1232 online at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/facts.php

BIBLE QUESTION - MOUNTAINS

2) What is the name of the mountain of the Lord?

A - Gerizim
B - Zion
C - Sinai
D - Hermon

Source: www.biblequizzes.com

Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php

IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!

"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""

SAYINGS FOR YOU TO PONDER

!!!!!!! No matter how you used yesterday, you received 24 hours today.

!!!!!! A smile is God's cosmetic.

!!!!! The curve of a smile can set a lot of things straight.

!!!! An egotist is a person who is me-deep in conversation.

!!! When an egotist meets another egotist, it's an "I" for an "I". Really, they are both I-sores.

!! He who fiddles around seldom gets to lead the orchestra.

! He who throws dirt loses ground.

100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/thought.php

JUST JOKES

186. IT'S ALL THE SAME
When I went to get my driver's license renewed, our local motor-vehicle bureau was packed. The line inched along for almost an hour until the man ahead of me finally got his license. He inspected his photo for a moment and commented to the clerk, "I was standing in line so long, I ended up looking pretty grouchy in this picture."

The woman beside him peered over his shoulder, then reassured him, "It's okay. That's how you're going to look when the cops pull you over anyway."

187. DELIVERIES?
When I was a mother's helper, the mom of the family I worked for sat with her three oldest children and watched a PBS special showing the birth of a baby. The mom thought it would be a good starting point for answering questions about the facts of life.

As her five-year-old studied the baby coming out of the birth canal, he asked, "Mom, does that hurt?"

"Oh, yes, it does," she said, remembering her difficult deliveries.

"Gee," he continued in awe, "does it hurt the mother too?"

188. THE ORDER
My husband and I both work, so our family eats out a lot. Recently, when we were having a rare home-cooked meal, I handed a glass to my three year old and asked her to please
drink her milk.

She looked at me bewildered, "But I didn't order milk."

189. FORWARD THINKING
A man having lunch at a Chinese restaurant noticed that the table had been set with forks, not chopsticks. He asked why. The waiter said "Chopsticks were provided only on request."

"But," the man countered, "if you gave your patrons chop-sticks, you wouldn't have to pay someone to wash all the forks.."

"True," the waiter shot back, "but we would have to hire three more people to clean
up the mess."
Just relax and have a laugh here.......

http://www.wwj.org.nz/jokes.php

BIBLE TRIVIA (Old Testament Family Life)

'A MAN CARRYING A JAR OF WATER .....'

Carrying water was universally done by women. So when Jesus instructed His disciples to find a man carrying a jar of water in Mark 14:13, it was an easy way to identify the right man. But, when larger amounts of water were needed, men used large skins of goats or sheep for carrying it.

Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys

Lots more 'God Facts' are found at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php

Same Sex Adoption Denied in New South Wales

The Minister for Community Services Linda Burney has announced that the NSW Government will not change the law to allow same sex couples to adopt children because of a lack of community support. Christians who fought hard to preserve the status quo have expressed delight with the decision. There were a significant number of submissions as well as thousands of signatures on petitions opposing a change in the law. The committee was divided on the issue, but the minority report took into account the best interests of the child in opposing the proposed law change.

Dr Gordon Moyes, who represents Family First in the NSW Legislative Council said, "Most of the people promoting same sex adoption speak about the right of gay and lesbian couples to have a child to satisfy their own instinct for parenting. The concern of Family First however is for the child to have the right role modelling and contributions that are given throughout a child's life by a mother and a father."

Dr Moyes went on to say "Two men cannot give a child the benefits a mother is able to give nor are they able to provide the correct contribution to a child's gender development that a mother and father gives. No matter how he dresses and how competent in the kitchen he may be, a man can never be the same as the children's own mother. Dr Moyes concluded, "Children need both a mum and dad to help them develop their own sense of being like other families, and their own understanding of how marriages work. The child's whole of life welfare must come before the personal satisfaction of two adults."

After a lengthy committee inquiry which recommended adoption be legal for gay couples, Linda Burney said the law would not be changed. In justifying her decision Burney said "The committee members could not reach a consensus in favour of a law change and the NSW Government is not satisfied there is broad enough community support to justify new state legislation at this stage."

Source: Compiled by APN from media reports
Via Australian Prayer Network

Via Openheaven.com

Many more Godfacts at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php

DAVID'S DOWNLOAD

A REVELATION OF... GOD'S CALL TO HIS CHURCH

We live in a church system that has evolved over the past, nearly 2000 years. It is obvious that the church had problems of doctrine and organisation right from its formation. Many people are reluctant to admit to this, but there were difficulties between Jews and gentiles in a theological sense, as well as practical organisational problems in terms of looking after the needy widows. However, over the centuries, church structures developed and became formalised along human lines. While the Reformation saw some changes, both in theology and organisation, the old, unbiblical, structures have tended to replicate themselves within our modern denominations and groupings. The Bible warns of this.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

Today, in these end times, God is calling His church back to basics. To its relational roots rather than formal structural organisation and methods that restrict, through human intervention, the Holy Spirit from truly working in the way He would wish.

Yes, God is calling us today to return to the principles set out in the New Testament, not to create the 'perfect church', for it will still have you and I in it, but rather, one capable of absorbing the promised bountiful end-time harvest.

Download your free PDF File here.....

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/wwj39p40.pdf

WAXING LYRICAL

It is so easy to blame the Lord, or others, when things go wrong in our life. Yet the answer is found not in struggle, but in submission. Putting our life in His hands.

LORD - HELP ME!

Now's the time when you are feeling low,
All your effort, with so little to show.
When life is getting on top of you,
God's Word doesn't seem true.
You're looking for a boost,
Chickens home to roost!
Nothing's working,
Life so hurting!
Indescribable!
Unbearable!

"Hey!
Pray!"
"Do I hear,
Voice in ear?"
"Now, listen to me,
One plus two, can be three!
If today, you will let me help you,
Your dreams, they can still come true.
When you rest your all in my gentle hand,
Your horizons, I will again, begin to expand."

Why do we ignore His advice?
Unwilling to pay the price,
Of giving all our being over to Him,
Rather let life's light, grow so dim.

Yes I'm still learning to understand,
Life, when it's placed in His hand,
Will simply, so much better be,
Than if it's only guided by me!

More of David's offerings at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php

A DAVID MUSING

Tomorrow (Friday) is Kathy's birthday, so I have had to write this early (Thursday) so that we can go away and have a long weekend together! This will be a real great break for us, as we have had people staying with us for the past 4 months.

We all do need a holiday at times. So many people get burned out in ministry because they wont 'take a break'.

I trust you are not one of them. If you are, make a definite plan to 'to take a break' now. You might be amazed to discover that God can do without you in your ministry - for a short time!!!

Until next week.......

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: DOCTRINE

TODAY'S 'BIBLE QUESTION' ANSWER: 2) B - Zion (Joel 3:17)

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

Most weeks we get enquiries about reproducing, in electronic or print form, articles contained in 'PGIM!' We welcome and encourage you to utilize this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the source be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.

Subscription opportunities are available here Subscribe Here

at the bottom of each newsletter or at...
https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.html

DONATIONS

Each month, because of the size and nature of our web site and maintenance of our sophisticated emailing system, it costs over $200 in provider fees to bring this ministry to you. If you are able to help us meet this expense your credit card donation would be very much welcomed at Make Donations Here as a live connection or at https://secure.macnet.co.nz/www.wwj.org.nz/pay.php
if you prefer to paste the address into your browser. Thanks.

CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?

Each week we can lose up to 2% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. Or sometimes, by your server acting strangely and just cutting us off! If you are about to change your address, please advise us of both your old and new addresses here at
enquiries@wwj.org.nz and we will happily change our records to ensure ongoing delivery. Thanks.

Please also keep our address in your address book, as sometimes servers will automatically delete your address if there is even a one off problem in delivery. If your newsletter doesn't arrive, please let us know and we will reinstate you.

LINKS

If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us on
links@wwj.org.nz

DOES THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?

YES - Great!
NO - Your web browser needs to be set to 'Rich Text'. If you have an older 'Text Only' browser, this email may also be viewed on our web site at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/wwword.php

ABOUT US

WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Hastings, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God’s people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ’s return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord’s direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our website
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.

Walking With Jesus Ministries
7 Bull Street
Ahuriri
Napier
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 835 0567 International (+64) 6 835 0567

Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: wwj.org.nz

Our role is to bless and encourage those in ministry while promoting co-operation and unity of direction amongst the body of Christ, as emphasised 3 times by Jesus in His longest prayer, immediately prior to His arrest and crucifixion. "… so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:12, 21, 23-4) Our website is currently being developed to encourage your participation one with another, to share resources, and to enable you to promote events and items of interest to the body as a whole – and have a smile while doing it!

For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz